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P.O. Box 1353, Hockessin, DE 19707
(302) 351-5622
PAWSforPeople@comcast.net
Lynne Robinson, Executive Director

 

On this page:
What We Do
How to get Involved
Interest Web Form
Additional Opportunites
What We Do
What we at PAWS for People do was best summed up by Jennifer Allen, Social Services Coordinator for Sunrise Senior Living, on PAWS' first workshop there:

"It's all about giving love."

In assisted living, healthcare, rehabilitation, and Alzheimer's care centers; in programs geared to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy; at day programs for adults with disabilities; in school and library reading programs; in programs targeting children with learning disabilities; we make a difference.


Residents tell us:

"Thank you for coming. Please come back."

"I didn't have anything to look forward to today, but now you're here."

"Today the therapist told me I'll never walk again. I just need to hug your dog."


Facility staff guide us:

"The only thing Ms. P. responds to is the dogs that come in."

"Could you stop in on W.? She's been really sad lately."

"When PAWS is here everyone is more 'smiley' and interactive; even folks just passing by or waiting in the hallway."

"PAWS visits have brought cheerfulness, comfort and responses to the residents. They converse about the pets' visits even when they're not visiting."


PAWS Therapy Teams reflect:

"This cat of mine just sits in P's lap forever, and I hold still and let it."

"I think I get more from the folks I visit than they could ever get from me."
PAWS therapy teams are trained to do any or all of the following types of visits:
  • visit people who could benefit from a 20-to-30-minute one-on-one visit
  • work with residents on specified skills, behaviors and issues
  • conduct more general visits with groups of people in hallways, lounges and other gathering places, or see a number of people through shorter room visits
  • mingle with residents as they participate in activities
  • make a presentation to a group about pet visitation, pets in general or other topics of interest
  • demonstrate pet training methods, pet visitation techniques and other skills


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    How to Get Involved
    By completing the following steps, you and your pet can become PAWS members and begin visiting very soon:
  • complete the web form below
  • complete intake phone interview
  • attend PAWS orientation
  • pet screening by PAWS representative
  • provide up-to-date vet records and have current dog license
  • pass Standards of Excellence evaluation (STEX test)
  • complete PAWS basic training
  • pay membership fee(s)
  • $35 per team (one human/one pet)
  • $20 for each additional human
  • $15 for each additional pet
  • choose program and facility that suits you and your therapy pet
  • decide on visiting schedule (must commit to visiting at least 2 times per month)
  • complete PAWS advanced training (1st visit to facility accompanied by PAWS representative)
  • then the real fun begins!
    • Interest Web Form

    Thank you for your interest in PAWS! Please use the web form below to request more information about PAWS and/or get started with the application process to becoming a member.

    Please note:
    1. If you can not respond to a particular question, please type "nr" as ALL FIELDS must be filled for the form to be sent.

    2. If you do not receive a confirmation message after clicking on "submit," YOUR MESSAGE WAS NOT SENT.

    If you have difficulty, please contact us at PAWSforPeople@comcast.net.

    We look forward to hearing from you!
    The field marked with (*) are required fields.
    * First & Last Name
    * Home Telephone Number
    Work Telephone Number
    Cell Telephone Number
    * Street Address
    * City, State & Zip Code
    * e-mail Address
    Please list any family members and/or significant others who are interested in joining PAWS with you. If you include children (under age 18), please list their ages as well.
    * Pet Name
    * Pet Breed
    * Pet Age & Birthdate
    * Vet Clinic
    * Rabies Expiration Date
    * Distemper Expiration Date
    * Dog License - State and Expiration Date
    * How did you learn about PAWS?
    * How would you like to get involved with PAWS?
    What interests do you have outside of pet-visitation?
    What else would you like us to know about you and your pet?
    Additional Opportunities with PAWS
  • workshops and seminars to learn more about the people we visit to strengthen our skills
  • STEX training sessions
  • gatherings where all PAWS members and their pets are invited to meet other members and have fun and learn together
  • several annual events
  • Community Outreach Events such as Newark Community Day, special events at Boscov's (yes, in the store), Scout Camp programs
  • Special Facility Events such as Sunrise's Love My Dog day or Cokesbury Village's Day in the Park


    For More Information:
  • Call us at (302) 351-5622
  • Write to us at PAWS for People, P.O. Box 1353, Hockessin DE 19707

  • Fill out the volunteer online form above 

  • Fill out the facilities online form Where We Go

  • Or e-mail us at PAWSforPeople@comcast.net


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